Motown Book Club

I was born in Illinois, lived in Southern California for several years as a child, and have lived in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula since 1981.Tell us your latest news?

I switched careers from journalism to higher education about seven years ago and since then have earned a master’s degree in rhetoric and technical communication and started teaching communication to engineering students at Michigan Technological University. I’m now working on a PhD, but I’ve started a new fiction project as well. I have no idea when it will be ready for publication, but it’s great to be writing fiction again.When and why did you begin writing?

I discovered I loved writing when I was still in elementary school. I started keeping a journal of sorts to help me deal with life. I never thought of being a professional writer until college and then an internship led me to a job at the local newspaper. I began my first novel in 2000 because I felt I had a story to tell. The characters had been developing for a few years and it just seemed time to put them on paper.When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first felt like a “real” writer when my second book, “Page One: Vanished,” was released, even though I had been a “professional” for many years by then. The first book felt like a fluke, a dream, but the second book made me feel like a legitimate author.What inspired you to write your first book?

There was no single thing that inspired me. The “Page One” trilogy’s protagonist, Robin Hamilton, was VERY loosely based on my experience as a small-town newspaper reporter. She’s just prettier, smarter, and scrappier. None of the other characters have any association with anything real and neither does the plot, except the opening scene in Ludington Park, where the first murder takes place. I used to walk through the park quite regularly and that’s what started the creative process for that book.Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, my journalism experience taught me the value of concise writing. I love words, I just use them strategically.How did you come up with the title?

The publisher, Susan Bays of Arbutus Press, wanted to develop a brand for the books, thus the “Page One” tag, indicating a news story worthy of page one. Then each book has a teaser about the plot. The first one revolves around a hit and a run death, the second book deals with the disappearance of several young women, and the third one deals with the drug trade (the U.P.’s notorious winter is also a character).Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Resilience. Life deals my characters a lot of heartbreak but they come through it stronger.

How much of the book is realistic?

These situations certainly could happen, but they are pure fiction. Unfortunately, “Page One: Whiteout” is the most true-to-life as U.P. communities struggle to deal with the influx of drugs like heroin and home-grown crystal meth.Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Robin’s mother died when she was 10, while mine died when I was 9. I wanted to explore a strong father-daughter relationship, like the one I had with my own father.What books have most influenced your life most?

Beverly Cleary’s Ramona books and Judy Blume’s books about adolescence got me hooked on reading as a child. By the time I was 10, I was reading everything mystery or paranormal-related in the school library. When I read my first Stephen King book, though, I remember thinking, “I could do this, I could see myself writing someday.” Of course, it was another 15 years before my first book was published, but that’s where it started.If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Stephen King. I must have read his book “On Writing” at least a half dozen times now. I use his advice about eliminating clutter from your writing when I teach my engineering students. It’s true regardless of genre.What book are you reading now?

I’m never reading just one book at a time. I’m reading a history of the Vikings, a scholarly work by Nancy Hartsock called “Money, Sex, and Power”, and the fifth book in the Harry Potter series (I never had time to read them when they were released!). Next will be “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts: A Memoir” by Neil White. It’s Michigan Tech’s Summer Reading Program for our incoming first-year students.Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I’m sure there are lots of great ones out there, but I’ve been so focused on my graduate work that I don’t get much time to explore new fiction authors.What are your current projects?

I’m working on something very different from my first three books. It’s a mystery of sorts that takes place in the Copper Country in the early 1970s (a period which has really captured my imagination), just after the last copper mine shut down. It will be darker, edgier, and more along the lines of an early Stephen King work than the “Page One” trilogy.Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Teachers! I was lucky to have some great teachers along the way who pushed me to do my best and challenge myself, never allowing me to settle for “good enough.”Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely! I write novels for entertainment, academic articles for my day job, and I teach writing. It’s the only thing I know how to do to pay the bills!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not at all. What finally made it into print is the third complete rewrite. My writing has matured over the years so I’m not as enamored with the first one, but many reviewers thought it was a good first effort so I don’t beat myself up about it too much.Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

My mother was an avid reader and I caught the bug from her. From there, it was just a natural progression to writing.Can you share a little of your current work with us?

It has a strong female protagonist (naturally), a newcomer to the Keweenaw who is a product of the Sixties, unafraid to challenge the status quo. I haven’t quite figured out the trajectory of the plot because it’s early in the creative process, but I’ve sketched out some unique characters. I’m very big on strong characters in my novels!Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Plotting is always the toughest for me. There’s a balance between simplicity and complexity. I want the story arc to be simple enough to connect with readers, but to have enough complexity to keep them engaged to the last word.Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Other than Stephen King, I have favorite books of certain authors. I’ve read Daphne Du Maurier’s “Rebecca” countless times (Mrs. Danvers is one of my favorite characters ever!). I love Anne Rice’s first two books in her vampire series. William Kent Krueger’s mystery series set in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is beautifully written. And I could go on and on.Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Not so much now since it’s been a while since I’ve released a new book, but I still periodically give library talks, which I love!Who designed the covers?

The publisher, Susan Bays, designed each cover.What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Again, it’s always the plotting. I have the most fun with characterizations.Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

With each books I become a better writer and I have learned to appreciate a great editor!Do you have any advice for other writers?

Focus on developing your craft any way you can. Write blogs, be a columnist for the local newspaper. Put together a family history. Enter short story contests. Just keep writing and putting your work out there. Develop a thick skin. No matter how great your writing, someone will always find fault with it so develop and nurture your own writing style.Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I appreciate your loyalty. I know many people would like to see another “Page One” book, but it’s time we all moved on. I like to think Robin is enjoying her new life. I look forward to

Caught up in a world of easy money, designer labels and drug-dealing boyfriends, sixteen-year-old Kyra Jones is living life on the fast track. Butwhen her single mom is offered a job that takes Kyra away from her old Chicago neighborhood, and the drugs and gang violence that go along with it, she finally realizes that there’s more to life than Gucci, Prada and ghetto-fabulous bling. Starting over in a new place, with a new boyfriend, Justin, gives Kyra hope that life can be different. But sometimes the fast life catches up to you. And for Kyra, her only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.

Caught up in a world of easy money, designer labels and drug-dealing boyfriends, sixteen-year-old Kyra Jones is living life on the fast track. Butwhen her single mom is offered a job that takes Kyra away from her old Chicago neighborhood, and the drugs and gang violence that go along with it, she finally realizes that there’s more to life than Gucci, Prada and ghetto-fabulous bling. Starting over in a new place, with a new boyfriend, Justin, gives Kyra hope that life can be different. But sometimes the fast life catches up to you. And for Kyra, her only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.

The market was busy with chatter that was audible from around the corner and aromas that filled the air. There were stands overflowing with an array of fruits and vegetables that came in every shape and color one could imagine. Other stands displayed woven straw baskets, paintings and carvings, clothes, and jewelry, all of which were handmade. Kyra had never seen anything like it in her life. It was almost fascinating. Almost. Continue reading →

Cassandra Charisse Carter is the 23-year-old authoress of two novels for young adults, Fast Life (July 2007) and 16 Isn’t Always Sweet (March 2008). Born on Tuesday, February 21, 1989 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Cassandra is the product of a single-parent home.

While her interests range from fashion to music, Cassandra exhibited a passion for writing at a young age. Her unique talent for storytelling was first noticed in short stories written for her mother, but she also received praise from her teachers and her peers. At the tender age of 9, Cassandra and her mother moved to Michigan where Cassandra continued to explore different ways to express herself on paper. While studying various writing styles throughout the years, she has preserved an original voice that today’s generation can relate to.

Cassandra was only 14 years-old when she created the concept for Fast Life. Inspired by a dream, she completed what would be her very first novel the following summer when she was just 15. With the encouragement of her family and help from a literary agent, Cassandra signed a contract with the Harlequin imprint, Kimani Tru, two years later. An honors graduate from Huron High School in Ann Arbor, MI Cassandra received her diploma just one month before welcoming the release of her first published title, Fast Life.

Ms. Carter currently resides in Ypsilanti, Michigan with her Mom, Susan, and the cutest cat ever named Oreon. She is a proud member of the Motown Writer’s Network based in Detroit, MI. Whenever she is not working on her newest book, Cassandra is busy speaking to youth in the community. For more info please visit http://www.facebook.com/AuthoressCassandraCarter!

5 Questions with Cassandra…

You began writing at such a young age; do you remember what your first short story was about?

I don’t remember what my first story was about, but there is one in particular that stands out. . . I was in 3rd grade when I made up this story about a chocolate volcano that erupted and washed away my hometown (Reading, PA). I incorporated my neighbors into the story and everything. It was so funny. Needless to say, my teacher at the time was so pleased with what I’d done, after raving about it to my Mom at a parent-teacher conference, she took it to her Master’s class to share it with them because she was so impressed.

Where do you believe your passion for writing comes from?

I would say I’m a natural-born writer. It’s hard to explain, but I always knew that’s what I was meant to do. I even wrote an essay about it once. I think it all began when my mom would read to me as a child. I always loved to read, and since reading and writing go hand in hand it came naturally. It didn’t take long before I got to the point where I didn’t want to just sit back and enjoy the story I wanted to find a way to get involved and come up with my own. I started off by taking stories I already knew, like the story of Pocahontas, and re-writing them. Then I progressed to writing original material which was mostly scary stories. Over time, I’ve nurtured my craft by taking just about every writing class I could: journalism, composition, etc. but I never thought it was practical to think I would ever actually become an authoress so I never thought to write a book until a dream inspired me. When I woke up I heard this voice say “Cassandra, you should write a book about that,” and it was a wrap. Fast Life is the first book I ever wrote. Two years later it was published.

What have been the most rewarding challenges you’ve faced while being a young author?

With Fast Life, I faced one of the biggest challenges any author can face and that’s editing. The original version of Fast Life was over 120,000 words which came out to over 500 pages so we had the task of cutting the book in half for length and content, all while trying to maintain a solid storyline and have everything still make sense. Any author reading this right now is probably like, “What?!” But in the end I feel like Fast Life came out even better because of the changes and I was extremely happy that my voice was preserved throughout. Another big thing for me has just been trying to adjust to being a part of the industry and learn the business side of things all while making the transition from a teenager to adulthood myself. What a lot of people don’t know is there is a lot more that comes along with being an author than just writing the book. The industry is constantly changing and there is always something new to learn.

What are some of your goals in your writing career?

In hopes of establishing myself as a full time writer, I hope to release new books, and soon. I would like to branch out into urban fiction in addition to romance and Young adult fiction. Hopefully one of my books will make the New York Time’s Best Seller’s list one day. I would love to turn my books into movies eventually. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback about that. I would also like to be a guest writer for different newspapers and magazines. I am still playing around with the idea of blogging, too. I think one of the best things for me personally, is when I have a chance to have one-on-one interaction with my readers so I’m looking forward to more speaking opportunities. Like Drake said, “I just want to be successful.”

What advice would you give today’s young writer?

Believe in yourself and your talent. Never doubt yourself. I know you’ve heard it a million times to the point where it almost sounds cliché, but it’s true, especially as an artist. It’s something even I have struggled with. It can be scary to think about putting your work out there for everyone to see, but it is important to remain open to criticism without taking it personally. Before Fast Life came out I remember being anxious over the language and content and the fact that now everyone I know, including my teachers and my family, were going to be able to see it. I was worried I might get in trouble since I’d written it when I was 14 – 15 but then my grandmother told me, “This is your writing and no one can take it from you,” and that stayed with me.

This author can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements and all other inquiries by

Caught up in a world of easy money, designer labels and drug-dealing boyfriends, sixteen-year-old Kyra Jones is living life on the fast track. Butwhen her single mom is offered a job that takes Kyra away from her old Chicago neighborhood, and the drugs and gang violence that go along with it, she finally realizes that there’s more to life than Gucci, Prada and ghetto-fabulous bling. Starting over in a new place, with a new boyfriend, Justin, gives Kyra hope that life can be different. But sometimes the fast life catches up to you. And for Kyra, her only hope is to stay one step ahead of trouble.

Respected as “a voice for today’s generation”, Jesse has proven that he is a thought leader and a source of substance. He has published several books on personal development and executive produced the Maximize Your Greatness dvd project. Jesse uses his influence to help teenagers live the type of life that is far above what they could ever imagine. His message helps youth to transform their attitude, boost their self-esteem, overcome peer pressure and enhance their leadership ability. For over a decade, Jesse has worked as a youth counselor, basketball coach, and certified deputy instructor. His motto is K.I.N.G: Keep Investing In The Next Generation.

Respected as “a voice for today’s generation”, Jesse has proven that he is a thought leader and a source of substance. He has published several books on personal development and executive produced the Maximize Your Greatness dvd project. Jesse uses his influence to help teenagers live the type of life that is far above what they could ever imagine. His message helps youth to transform their attitude, boost their self-esteem, overcome peer pressure and enhance their leadership ability. For over a decade, Jesse has worked as a youth counselor, basketball coach, and certified deputy instructor. His motto is K.I.N.G: Keep Investing In The Next Generation.

Respected as “a voice for today’s generation”, Jesse has proven that he is a thought leader and a source of substance. He has published several books on personal development and executive produced the Maximize Your Greatness dvd project. Jesse uses his influence to help teenagers live the type of life that is far above what they could ever imagine. His message helps youth to transform their attitude, boost their self-esteem, overcome peer pressure and enhance their leadership ability. For over a decade, Jesse has worked as a youth counselor, basketball coach, and certified deputy instructor. His motto is K.I.N.G: Keep Investing In The Next Generation.

Andrea Daniel is a lifelong poet, with work in publications and as part of a visual poetry exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts. When she’s not writing poetry, Andrea is a freelance writer for various publications. She also has freelanced for an internationally distributed arts and entertainment magazine. Andrea is co-owner/operator of Dakota Avenue West Publishing and copywriter, editor and voice over artist with her own small business, AND Communications. She is a member of the Motown Writer’s Network, and the Michigan Literary Network and is producer of the Michigan Literary Network’s Internet radio show on blogtalkradio.com. Additionally, she is a registered songwriter with BMI. She lives in Detroit, Michigan with her son and a sweet little Terrier-Poodle-mix named Dot.

In the 2nd edition of The Window 2 My Soul, Yusef Shakur invites readers to explore his remarkable journey of tragedy, triumph, and transformation. Yusef accounts the experiences of growing up in a single parent household that was plagued with alcohol and physical abuse. By the tender age of thirteen, Yusef would co-found one of Detroit’s most notorious street gangs Zone 8. Yusef highlights his rambunctious youth with gripping moments, such as being expelled from all Detroit Public Schools while being charged with numerous violent assaults and attempted murder. In prison before the age of 20, Shakur would meet behind bars the father he never knew.

It Can Happen To You: Volume 1 contains three short stories:
S&M (Sexts & Messaging) – a cautionary tale of what happens when an online friendship turns into obsession.

THE ID – After meeting Chazz, Nya thinks she has found the love of her life until he vanishes with no trace. When she uncovers the truth of his disappearance, she realizes her life will never be the same.

ORGANIZED KARMA – Destinee and Tracy have been friends for years, but as they get older their lives take them on two different paths.

About Phette:
While taking college courses at Henry Ford Community College, she was urged by two instructors to go into writing in some capacity. Not believing enough in herself, she shelved the idea and sat on it for many years.

She started actively pursuing her passion in 2004 and vividly remembers seeing Tyler Perry on the Oprah Winfrey show when she had an “AHA” moment and said to herself that she, too, can write stories for the world to read and see. Learn more about Phette at www.phetteogburn.com.PURCHASE IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!

We’d love to hear what you thought of this book and/or what do you think of the romance erotic genre?! Your thoughts?!

I dug back in my memory bank trying to figure out who the hell this person was and how they got my information. I guess I was taking too long to respond because another message chimed in.

“We were commenting on a friend’s post and I mentioned how beautiful your name is.”

Ooooh! I thought.

“Yeah. Yeah. I remember. Urs is just as beautiful.”

“Thanks”

Not wanting to chat too freely because I was still leery about how and, more importantly, why he sought me out, I left the ball in his court.

“I snagged your IM off Facebook. I hope you don’t mind.”

We chatted for a few minutes, making small talk. We attended the same high school, but he graduated three years after I did. We had several mutual friends. He played football, both in high school then in college, before, of course, he was injured. His photo albums on FB were full of pics of him…and his wife.

He was recently married. The wedding photos were beautiful. His dark mocha skin contrasted against his crisp, white tux. She was wearing an off-white strapless gown. Her full breasts were a sneeze away from spilling up and out the dress. Her weave was long, with lots of ringlets. She was happy. Her thick lips stretched across her face in almost every pic.

A few days passed. My Facebook alert chirped on my Blackberry. “Friend Request – Kenzu Brantley.” I accepted the request, which I normally did if the person “appeared” to be decent. I was heavy into networking and always looking for more people to share and learn with.

Minutes later I received a message in my inbox.

Hey. I enjoyed chatting with you the other day. Let’s do that again soon.
Kenzu

I carried on with my day – work, school, kids’ homework, cooking dinner, watching television. Yep! Had the regimen down to a science. Since I purchased a Blackberry I no longer needed to spend countless hours on the computer. I mean, I did get on it occasionally, but most all my needs were at my fingertips via Crackberry.

“Cricket – Cricket” is the sound of my Yahoo messenger alert. My best friend Lana knew this was the best way to reach me. I’d long since given up on talking on the phone. Text, chat and email were the most effective ways to get my attention.

“Hey S. How r u?” she typed.

“I’m good girl. How r u and the baby doing?”

“We good. I’m rubbing my belly right now. LOL.”

“Tell her auntie luvs her & I’ll b 2 c y’all soon as she get here ”

“I will. Ttyl. Luv u.”

“Luv u 2.”

As soon as I ended our conversation, I got another message. This time from him.

“Good evening Queen”

“Look at this brother trying to have game,” I said aloud to myself.

“Hello there”

“How was ur day”

“Busy. Urs?”

“Same here”

I sat the phone down as I prepared the next day clothes for me and the kids. When I heard the cricket chime more than two times, I made sure to quickly plug in a response so it could look like I was fully attentive. We chatted about things from movies, sports, love and marriage, food and Facebook.

Motown Writers Meetup Group (Please forward this to a friend and bring several friends with you.) See ya Sat and please bring a donation to help us out. Also bring your literary challenges, new books to announce and achievements. Networking is key to our survival as writers and authors! This is your chance to learn, network and connect! Detroit, MI 48202 - U […]

Motown Writers Meetup Group This is the Detroit Motown Writers Meetup where special guest speakers talk about their literary journey, we share our challenges and struggles and we help each other. Want to announce an event? Want to share your book struggles? Want to announce your book's birth? Got a question! Come in! Join us! Donations are asked, but do […]

Motown Writers Meetup Group This Rochester based group is open to all new, working, and published writers, photographers, and illustrators. All genres welcome and free to attend. We are NOT a critique group - we discuss the business of writing. Topics and guests - we meet the third Tuesday of the month - come once, once in a while, or every time! Rochester H […]

When: Sun Sep 22, 2013 to Sat Sep 28, 2013 Where: EVERYWHERE Event Status: confirmed Event Description: The last week in September is designated as Banned Books Week in honor of great authors that have been challenged by various institutions

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Lovey Indie Love Vawters posted a link to Motown Writers Network's wall: Faith has the perfect life from the outside looking in. She has a great career, a big house, fancy cars and the man of her dreams, but what happens when her husband Cole starts to get bored at home? Will he just be a man about it and lay everything out on the table or will he do as […]

Tanisha Nish Stewart posted a link to Motown Writers Network's wall: What would your reviews say? Grab your copy and review today!! Judge Me Not by Honey 5.0 out of 5 stars This is a... I can't put down... who needs sleep when you can read kind of book. March 24, 2015 By Gigi Judge Me Not was a fast paced trip to the gritty side of Middle Georgia. […]

Mahogany Mignon posted a link to Motown Writers Network's wall: Peel back the layers of my truth, my real life story, and my professional path. Available to emcee your next elite affair. Willing to travel. One Woman. One Stop Shop. One Mission.~MM